'Spartacus' to end revolutionary run next season

In this undated file image originally released by Starz, Liam McIntyre portrays the title role in a scene from "Spartacus: Vengeance," airing on Starz. Starz network says it is ending its highly successful �Spartacus� saga next season. In an unusual move announced Monday, Starz will conclude this action-adventure series while it's still a big hit, and after logging only three seasons (or four, counting a �prequel� season). This season the series drew six million viewers, an enormous number for a paid subscription channel. (AP Photo/Starz Entertainment)

NEW YORK (AP) -- Starz network says it is ending its highly successful "Spartacus" saga next season.

In an unusual move announced Monday, Starz will conclude this action-adventure series while it's still a big hit, and after logging only three seasons (or four, counting a "prequel" season). This season the series drew six million viewers, an enormous number for a paid subscription channel.

That 10-episode cycle, which will kick off next January, is currently filming in New Zealand.

The series stars Liam McIntyre as the Thracian-slave-turned-revolutionary who's out to topple the Roman Empire. McIntyre took over the role from Andy Whitfield, who starred the first season, then withdrew due to illness. He died of cancer in September 2011.

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